The Gazette reports Cedar Rapids Library lays off employees; plus other news over the past week in Cedar Rapids...

April 19Th, in a story titled 7 lose jobs at Cedar Rapids library Rick Smith of The Gazette is reporting that "the city has laid off two full-time and five part-time library employees."

Are these the first cuts by the Library, since the Flood of 2008? The story doesn't say.

Other local news this past week from The Gazette:

I-380 resurfacing to close lanes in Cedar Rapids - Important to keep the driving surface safe, especially after all the challenges driving between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids on I-380 pre-Flood of 2008

Flooded areas challenging for census workers - Will Iowa lose a U.S. House of Representative in 2012, after the 2010 census? Most likely...

Iowa same-sex marriage ruling followed careful campaign - We define marriage as between a Husband and Wife (Man and Women). But, Bishop Julius C. Trimble of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church wrote this month that "civil marriages must be judged under the constitutional standards of equal protection and not under religious doctrines or religious views of individuals."

Ruling spurs new Iowa marriage forms - One of the initial concerns we have had were the terms Husband or Wife... "bride" or "groom" being eliminated. Simply, replaced by the terms "Partner" and "Spouse," so it nice to hear that is not the case in the State of Iowa.

The department said it changed the forms to conform to the court's ruling "so
that all couples can have access to the institution of marriage on terms which
accurately identify and record their marital relationship." - The Gazette article

Sykora Bakery reopening in Czech Village - nice to hear more news on the recovery from the Flood of 2008 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

Injured officer Davis moved to St. Luke's for rehab - Welcome back to your hometown, hopefully the path to returning to your home is one step closer to being a reality. God Bless your service to our community Officer Tim Davis. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and friends. Let's please find a way to stop the violence.

In the words of Jenny Smith, a student at the United Theological Seminary in Ohio, "We do our very best to love persons whose words we disagree with." It is something to remember not only dealing with the same-sex marriage issue, but with all issues.

Washington grads raise money, awareness for Cedar Rapids recovery - great to see people coming to the aid of their hometown!

Abandoned, flooded properties may go to city - Balance between property rights and our City's Flood Recovery?

Want a flood buyout? It's first come, first served -Reminds us a little how the YMCA handled Camp Wapsie enrollments back several years ago. Time will tell, just how smooth flood buyouts will work in the City of Cedar Rapids!

Is respect for police authority declining? - Sadly, often circumstances get worse, before they get better. The challenges ahead in Cedar Rapids are a community problem. Our law enforcement often respond to problems like a "hammer," but our community needs to become the solution and become more proactive.

VIDEO: Tiger Dam flood control demonstrated in Cedar Rapids - Flood mitigation will be a very important issue in the City Cedar Rapids now and into the future. Sadly, we didn't respond enough from the Flood of 1993 that paled in comparison to the Flood of 2008.

Video: Gunshots fired from car in Cedar Rapids - as mentioned, we need to step up as a community. "Who is My Neighbor" - the solution is with all of us as neighbors and members of this wonderful community.

Arson suspected in grass fire near Indian Creek Nature Center - If you see a crime being committed, please contact law enforcement. We need to look out for one another as neighbors and as Cedar Rapidians!

The predicted flood of cats is becoming reality - Should Cedar Rapids have a maximum pet number for each household in the community? Other cities in the Midwest do! Down the road in Iowa City they are talking about allowing chickens in the neighborhoods. Fowl idea? Give it a try Could Cedar Rapids be next?

I-380 speedsters: You might want to read this -

Cause of Gateway Gardens fire still unknown - Don't forget your renters insurance... you never know when you can become a victim.

Cedar Rapids police contemplate charging for 'nuisance' calls - What does Property Taxes pay for in Cedar Rapids? Will we see a property tax rebate, with the addition of a variable fee, as opposed to continued raising of fixed fees (IE: Property Taxes) in our community? Will it be a revenue generator or create some teeth to go after those creating a "nuisance" or violating City Ordinances or State Law?

MUSIC: Rockin’ worship - We don't the the same quantity and often quality of music acts in Cedar Rapids, as when there was less competition for the Five Seasons Center, but it is nice to hear that we are getting a few.

Downtown businesses asked to show steam bills - Some downtown business have simply had to turn off the steam, so bills wouldn't show all the impact from the Flood of 2008.

Red-placarded Cedar Rapids homes getting re-inspection - Sadly, we are going to lose some housing stock in Cedar Rapids post-Flood of 2008.

Cedar Rapids considering landlord license program - Is the City of Cedar Rapids doing enough to enforce and utilize current State Law? For example, Crime Free Lease Addendum's are a good recommendations for Landlords, but when criminal activity occurs... there are steps that can be taken to achieve enforcement. Further, what is the City of Cedar Rapids planning to do with the people who do not conform with our community standards?

Photos: More than 600 protest taxation policies - April 15, 2009 - TEA Parties locally and throughout the USA over not only taxation, but deficit spending by our government.

Limited Government is encouraged here!

TEA = Taxed Enough Already

Deficit Spending will require increased taxation to pay back for the increased government spending.

Plans for new Cedar Rapids library move ahead - FEMA is expected to pay for most of the expected $24 million in costs... the goal for completion is 2011.

About 250 gather to talk about race, police, violence - St. Paul's UMC hosted a Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Town Meeting on Tuesday, April 14Th titled "Community Connections: Taking Ownership For Where We Live."

Nearly 1,000 show up at benefit for Officer Davis - On the same evening as the Town Meeting - a benefit was held for Officer Davis. A separate second fundraiser was held on Saturday, April 18Th at Grace Baptist Church. The pancake breakfast was held.

Don't forget the old saying that KCRG-TV used to run in the 1970s:

It's 10 o'clock: Do you know where your children are?

Parents and neighbors play an important role is supervising and watching out for our children in our community.

Finally, today's article on Limited Government comes from the Friday, April 17, 2009 edition of the Chicago Tribune. The newspaper features an article titled, "Iowa House OKs limited meetings, records measure." For more on this issue, read the Public Interest Institutes's February issue of the Iowa Transparency Newsletter.

peace

E-mail alert: UPDATE ON MAN IN TRENCH COAT

TO: Washington Parents
FROM: Dr. Plagman, Washington High School Principal
RE: Update on Man in Trench Coat

We wanted to update you on a safety issue at Washington High School. Late last spring, a male in his mid-twenties began appearing in Washington school neighborhood and on campus. He has recently been seen wearing a black trench coat and with white paint on his face. Since the first sightings, we have maintained regular communication with the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
We advised the man that he would be charged with criminal trespass if he was found on school property, and students were asked to contact a staff member immediately if they saw him on campus. On Wednesday, October 28, this individual was found on the sidewalk at the south end of the high school campus. The police were summoned and he was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal trespass, interference with official acts, and simple assault (for threatening a Washington security officer). Several students witnessed the arrest.

As a precaution, we have extended security duty hours so that all three security officers will be on campus the entire day. They will be posted in locations where they will be able to see possible intruders on our campus. This will remain in effect until further notice.

It is important to note that the subject described has not harmed or threatened any student. However, safety is always our main priority. Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions or comments.

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News at one of our public high schools in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. On a good note, Cedar Rapids Washington (9-1) travels to Dubuque to face Hempstead (6-4) in the first round of the Class 4A Iowa State High School Football Playoffs.

peace